Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate recall confirmed as court rules suspension unconstitutional; senator to return to Red Chamber Tuesday after six-month absence

Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, will return to the Senate on Tuesday, following a court order that overturned her six-month suspension.

Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contempt ruling sparks ₦5m fine over Facebook post

The Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate recall marks a significant legal and political victory, reinforcing the importance of due process and the constitutional rights of her constituents.

In a video shared on social media, the senator confirmed her intention to resume legislative duties.

“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” she said.

Her statement followed a judgment delivered on Friday by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the suspension was unconstitutional, excessive and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation.

The decision brought a formal end to a politically charged episode that began in March 2025.

The court held that the Senate lacked legal grounds for her suspension and described the action as a breach of democratic principles.

“Legislators are required to attend no fewer than 181 sitting days per year,” the judge stated, adding that prolonged suspensions without due process damage the integrity of legislative governance.

The Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate recall ruling also touched on her conduct during the suspension.

Justice Nyako imposed a ₦5 million fine on the senator for contempt, citing a Facebook post made in defiance of a standing court order.

The post, described as a satirical apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was deemed to have violated an injunction restricting public commentary on the case.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension originally followed a chaotic Senate session that descended into disagreement over seating arrangements.

The controversy escalated when she later accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment during a televised interview.

In her ruling, Justice Nyako criticised the Senate’s disciplinary procedures and called for a review of its internal rules to ensure constitutional compliance and fair hearing.

The court stressed that the rights of constituents must not be sacrificed in political disputes.

Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Udauaghan’s cybercrime charges spark controversial courtroom drama

With her return to the Red Chamber imminent, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate recall signals a turning point in legislative accountability and raises broader questions about the balance of power within Nigeria’s Senate.